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MoDaCo.Switch to let HTC One jump between Sense and stock Android (video)
Not sure if you want the regular HTC One or its Google Play Edition? MoDaCo's newly detailed MoDaCo.Switch ROM should let you have both. The custom firmware lets the indecisive run either the Sense interface or stock Android (AOSP) using only one set of data. It's not an ideal experience, even considering the usual risks of unofficial code: users have to reboot to change interfaces, and two ROMs in one will chew up additional storage. However, Switch could still give One fans the best of both worlds when it launches. MoDaCo tells us that a public beta could arrive early next week.
Broadcom introduces low-power WiFi and Bluetooth chips for the Internet of things
The Internet of things -- that nebulous term usually associated with interconnecting everyday objects in a meaningful way -- is in the news again. Yesterday, Broadcom announced that it's launching a couple cost-effective, power-efficient wireless chips geared towards appliances, home automation and wearable devices. The first SoC, BCM4390, incorporates a highly-efficient WiFi radio for embedded use in products such as weight scales, thermostats and security cameras. It fits into the company's range of Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) chips. The second SoC, BCM20732, features an ultra low-power Bluetooth transceiver and targets devices like heart rate monitors, pedometers and door locks. Broadcom's also contributing its Bluetooth software stack to the Android Open Source Project with support for both standard and Bluetooth Smart hardware. Does this mean our long-awaited smart toaster's just around the corner? We sure hope so. Follow the source links below for more info.
Sony brings Android Open Source Project to Xperia Tablet Z (video)
Sony gifted its flagship Xperia Z smartphone with an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) build just last month, and now the stock operating system has made its way to the device's tablet counterpart, too. AOSP is now available for the Xperia Tablet Z -- it'll live on GitHub, along with instructions and other resources. Community Manager Marcus Hansson dropped by YouTube to demo AOSP. You'll find that Jelly Bean (4.2.2) walkthrough posted after the break, along with a warning to non devs: "The software is not intended for everyday use, and therefore does not include all apps and services usually expected in ordinary software." That could always change in the future, but if you're expecting a seamless stock experience for personal use, you probably won't find it here.
Sony posts its first AOSP build for the Xperia Z (video)
Sony is quickly developing a reputation as the tinkerer's phone maker of choice: it took on responsibility for maintaining AOSP on the Xperia S even when Google couldn't. Today, it's proving that commitment to open software by releasing an Android 4.2.2-based AOSP build for one of its 2013 flagships, the Xperia Z. The initial public version is rough and has to go without proprietary camera and cellular drivers, although it does support Bluetooth, GPS, SD storage, WiFi and a host of sensors. Developers and other experimenters can grab the necessary code on GitHub; the rest of us can stick to marginally safer CyanogenMod nightlies.
Android 4.2.2 binaries arrive for AOSP-supported Nexus devices
Google has just provided a veritable boon to Android devs and custom ROM makers. The Mountain View company has recently uploaded the latest Android 4.2.2 binaries to the Nexus device download page for all AOSP-supported Nexus gear: the Nexus 4, the Nexus 7 WiFi, the Nexus 7 3G, the Nexus 10, the global version of the Galaxy Nexus and its Verizon equivalent. This also means that the AOSP (Android Open Source Project binaries) finally exist for the Nexus 7 3G and the Nexus 4, which had been missing from previous updates. If you've been on the hunt for the latest and greatest drivers for your wares, go ahead and download the binary of your choice from the source below and get to updating it before a certain green pie update comes along.
Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean binaries added to AOSP
Barely a fortnight after the Android 4.2 binaries were added to the Android Open Source Project database, here comes Android 4.2.1. It appears as if the files have been uploaded for the Nexus 10, Nexus 7, Galaxy Nexus (Verizon model included), but the Nexus 4 is being omitted for the time being. In short, this opens the doors for custom ROM makers to dig in and update their own wares with the latest and greatest from Google. And come December, the users of those wares will be hugely appreciative of that extra 0.1. Hit the source links to grab the newness.
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean binaries added to AOSP
Good news for fans of Android alternatives: Google's just added binaries for Jelly Bean 4.2 to AOSP. Up until now, only the Nexus 10 and Nexus 4 had been privy to the company's latest OS version bump, but with the presence of these files on its developer portal and updates leaking out early, custom ROMs are just now a stone's skip away. Curiously, Mountain View has omitted the Nexus 4 from the list, but devs willing to get their hands dirty with the Nexuses 7 and 10, as well as both variants of the Galaxy Nexus -- yes, Verizon's model is on the list -- can have at it right now at the source link below.
Google kicks Xperia S Android Open Source Project out of its nest, Sony takes it under its wing (video)
After just under three months of development, Google's wrapped up its experimental work on bringing the Sony Xperia S into the Android Open Source Project fold. According to Sony, AOSP Technical Lead Jean-Baptiste Quéru considers the effort a success, but the device is being taken off the project's roadmap so Mountain View can focus on its own hardware. Currently, an AOSP build boots on the Xperia S hardware with support for SD-Cards, Wi-Fi and its built-in sensors. Audio and the phone's modem are also operational, but they require proprietary binaries Hirai and Co. can't publish just yet. Work on polishing the handset's vanilla Android experience isn't over, however. Sony has moved the code to its GitHub account and is welcoming developers to pitch in and help with the open source effort. For more details and to see what code has already been laid down, tap the second source link or check out the video of the smartphone in action below.
Android 4.1.2 goes live, gives Nexus 7 owners landscape home screen
We've been seeing a mysterious Android 4.1.2 update mentioned in conjunction with a few unreleased devices in the past few hours, so it's only fitting that we're seeing the official release today. Google's Android Open Source Project lead Jean-Baptiste Queru has posted word that the 4.1.2 release should be available on Tuesday for at least those relying on pure AOSP builds of the mobile OS. While we haven't seen the update reach our own devices yet, some Nexus 7 owners already report getting 4.1.2 on their tablets with a pleasant surprise in store: in addition to the expected bug fixes and performance boosts, the software lets the home screen rotate to landscape mode on the smaller Jelly Bean slate. We're keeping an eye out for when other hardware gets the patch, although it's expected that the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus S and Xoom will follow quickly enough. [Image credit: EETimes]
Sony posts binaries to back Googler's AOSP project for Xperia S
When Google's Android Open Source Project lead Jean-Baptiste Queru promised an AOSP build for the Sony Xperia S, we didn't know just how much help he would get: Sony has been welcoming of the effort, but the lack of any immediate assistance didn't make for an auspicious start. Much to enthusiasts' delight, Sony says it wants to be more involved with the back-to-stock strategy than just well-wishing. The company is posting vital binaries like drivers to kickstart the process. It's also planning longer-term help by dedicating senior engineer Björn Andersson to monitoring and patching the project when needed. Sony is still wary enough not to get its hopes up, or ours -- it's not convinced that Queru's strategy will lead to a truly reliable build. All the same, the contribution is an important step towards expanding AOSP's scope beyond its usually Nexus-centric past.
Android Open Source Project targets Sony Xperia S, wants to get experimental
The Android Open Source Project has typically (and understandably) been a very Nexus-focused affair -- until now that is. Technical Lead for the AOSP, Jean-Baptiste Queru, announced this week that for a "new challenge" he'd like to target new hardware -- and Sony's Xperia S is the lucky benefactor. The choice of hardware is said to be due to it being a powerful, current device with an unlockable bootloader, with Queru noting that Sony has always been kind to the project. There's not a lot in the git project right now, but Queru appears keen to rally support from developers to get the ball rolling. Wondering how this might differ from CyanogenMod's device targets? Where CM might have a focus on stability, Queru believes that AOSP will head in a more experimental "bleeding edge" direction. Sound like something you can get behind? Head on over to the source for more info.
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean proven carrying rough but working code for multi-user support (video)
If there's ever been a persistent gripe among families sharing mobile devices, it's been the absence of multiple user profiles -- hand that iPad or Nexus 7 to Junior and you may have to play a spot-the-differences game when it comes back. Some long overdue testing of previously found code references in Jelly Bean shows that Google, at least, has explored ending that anxiety over who uses the family gadgets. Command-line code in AOSP-based versions of Android 4.1 will let you create a separate guest profile, complete with its own lock screen security, home screen layout and limited settings. To say that the code is unpolished would be an understatement, however. Apps and even some notifications cross over from the main account, which could prove more than a little embarrassing if the hardware is left in the wrong hands. At least it's easy to revert back, as the instructions (and video after the break) show. The real challenge will be waiting to see when -- or really, if -- Google gets to finishing multi-user code and turns that Nexus 7 into the communal tablet we want it to be.
Updated Verizon Galaxy Nexus Jelly Bean binaries added to AOSP
CDMA variants are, invariably, the redheaded stepchildren of the Nexus line. That is to say, those units nearly always trail behind their GSM counterparts where updates and official support are concerned. But it appears Google's picking up the pace, having just released the latest Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean (JRO03H) binaries for Verizon-branded handsets three weeks after welcoming Toro devices back into AOSP. What does this mean for the average user? Not much, since there's no real way to gauge whether or not this signals an imminent carrier-sanctioned OTA rollout, although it does bode well for those prospects. But for rooted users, the new addition is a boon, as it should pave the way for devs to cook up even more stable ROMs for your flashing enjoyment. So, that's the good news. The bad? Well, if you're on the Sprint side of the LTE Nexus divide, your handset's still not invited back to the party -- indefinitely.
New AOSP Jelly Bean port for international Galaxy S III available, 'mostly everything is working'
While it's not the first source code compiled build of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean available for your international model (I9300) Galaxy S III, this stable release from developer Faryaab brings all the latest features without many of the drawbacks. While the release we noted in June was lacking creature comforts like camera, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, storage and audio, a post on XDA-Developers indicates ROM flashers of this build will have all of those, with the only known casualty so far being "semi-broken" WiFi tethering. To turn that Galaxy S III into a Jelly Bean Galaxy Nexus, you will need to do a factory reset and rock a a custom recovery like ClockworkMod, but otherwise the switch (check out a how-to video from totallydubbedHD embedded after the break) should be straightforward. While this experience is meant to be pure, the developer notes it may not receive many updates going forward before he releases his own "SuperNexus" ROM. So, what'll it be then -- Jelly Bean and Google Now, or S-Voice, TouchWiz and all the rest of the features built into Samsung's out of the box ICS experience?
Jelly Bean spreads the butter to Amazon's Kindle Fire in unofficial beta build (video)
Jelly Bean(s) for everyone -- essentially, that's just what Google's done for the tech savvy underground with 4.1.1's release in AOSP. Not two days after that source code was made available, has a developer by the name of Hashcode worked to get an early build up and running on Amazon's Kindle Fire. If you'll remember, that Bezos-backed slate runs a heavily customized UX with Gingerbread buried deep at its core and official plans for a software update beyond its 2.3 underpinnings have not been announced. So, for adventurous owners that are sick of living in the software-past, but aren't quite ready to part ways with 200 bills for that very now Nexus 7, a beta ROM is at the ready. Naturally, you'll need to have your device rooted and loaded with a custom recovery to get things going but, take note, this work-in-progress is far from complete: hardware video acceleration isn't yet supported and WiFi is somewhat unstable. Fixes are assuredly on the way, so the less carefree might want to abstain from flashing at the moment. For everyone else, you can find the necessary downloads at the source below and, while you're at it, check out the video tour after the break. Update: Looks like the crew got Google's apps (Play Store, Gmail, etc.) working as well as WiFi. Check out the updated tour video here.
Verizon Galaxy Nexus welcomed back into the AOSP fold, Sprint shunned by Google
Slowly but surely Google is bringing CDMA devices back into the AOSP fold after giving them the boot in February over driver issues. The Nexus S 4G was welcomed back last week and now the Verizon Galaxy Nexus is joining it over at the Android open source site. Head on over to the developer portal and you'll find binaries for Android version 4.1.1. The LTE GNex isn't quite a full-fledged member of the family yet though, driver support is currently considered "experimental." So, don't be shocked if there's a bunch of bugs. Unfortunately, we have bad news for Sprint fans. Google apparently has no intention of adding the carrier's LTE Nexus to the list of supported developer devices. Jean-Baptiste Queru, lead of the AOSP, told the Android Building Google group that there were no plans to bring custom builds of the open source OS to the Toroplus.
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean source code now available
Android Open Source Project technical lead Jean-Baptiste Queru has announced the source for the newest version of the OS, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (relive the releases for ICS, Gingerbread and Froyo), will be made available today. Currently, binaries are available for the Nexus 7 and Galaxy Nexus, with Nexus S and Motorola Xoom versions promised soon. As usual, this gets the countdown started for more manufacturers to work on builds for their devices and means third party coders like CyanogenMod can dive in as well. One other thing we should be used to by now is a warning that it still may take some time for things to go live as the code is replicated. Hit the source link for all of the information on the latest build or hit the AOSP site for more information what exactly this is and how to get it.
Nexus S 4G regains AOSP status, Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners left hanging
It wasn't just Verizon Galaxy Nexus owners who were hurt when Google dropped Android Open Source Project support for CDMA models -- officially, Nexus S 4G users had to depend on carrier-approved builds as well. At least one of those software dramas is coming to a close, as AOSP Technical Lead Jean-Baptiste Queru has just confirmed that the Nexus S 4G once again has a full AOSP build. Problems surrounding the phone have been sorted out to give it full CDMA voice and WiMAX-based 4G data while keeping true to Google's original, easily modifiable vision. The download is available right away for the Nexus S 4G faithful, but Queru has dashed any immediate hopes of this being the prelude to its Galaxy Nexus counterpart; the camera, GPS and NFC currently wouldn't work on Verizon's model, even if the cellular components checked out.
CyanogenMod nightlies reach Samsung Galaxy S III, Nature UX critics unite
Let's say you're a fan of the quad-core processor and giant screen of the international Galaxy S III, but Samsung's Nature UX just leaves you feeling cold. Thankfully, the first CyanogenMod 9 nightly builds have arrived to warm you up. They both bring the OS closer to the official Android Open Source Project version while adding the extras that we've seen before, such as theme support, an audio equalizer and gesture shortcuts on the lock screen. Nightlies are well away from becoming polished releases, so don't be surprised if your Galaxy S III goes awry -- the team is already advising starting from a completely blank slate. But if that desire to get more control over the OS is still strong enough to throw at least a slight amount of caution to the wind, the source will provide all the downloads and details needed to give Samsung's interface the boot.
Android 4.0.4 rears its head again, this time over at AOSP
It hasn't made its official open-source debut yet, but Android 4.0.4 should be hitting the repositories very soon. Leaks of the next Ice Cream sandwich update have been circulating since early February, and Moto's Xoom was given the first taste today. Now Jean-Baptiste Queru, an engineer on the mobile OS, has posted over at the Android Open Source Project forums to let us know that the appropriate files are being pushed as we speak. Of course, this doesn't mean that 4.0.4 will hit your handset any time soon... or ever, for that matter. But, it does mean that more custom ROM devs will be incorporating its pile of bug fixes into their products. Watch the source links to be alerted the moment it goes live.
